US20110023976A1 - Fluidic device with planar coupling member - Google Patents
Fluidic device with planar coupling member Download PDFInfo
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- US20110023976A1 US20110023976A1 US12/935,911 US93591108A US2011023976A1 US 20110023976 A1 US20110023976 A1 US 20110023976A1 US 93591108 A US93591108 A US 93591108A US 2011023976 A1 US2011023976 A1 US 2011023976A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
- G01N30/02—Column chromatography
- G01N30/60—Construction of the column
- G01N30/6004—Construction of the column end pieces
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/502707—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by the manufacture of the container or its components
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
- B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
- B01L3/5027—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip
- B01L3/502715—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures by integrated microfluidic structures, i.e. dimensions of channels and chambers are such that surface tension forces are important, e.g. lab-on-a-chip characterised by interfacing components, e.g. fluidic, electrical, optical or mechanical interfaces
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00781—Aspects relating to microreactors
- B01J2219/00801—Means to assemble
- B01J2219/00804—Plurality of plates
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01J—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROCESSES, e.g. CATALYSIS OR COLLOID CHEMISTRY; THEIR RELEVANT APPARATUS
- B01J2219/00—Chemical, physical or physico-chemical processes in general; Their relevant apparatus
- B01J2219/00781—Aspects relating to microreactors
- B01J2219/00801—Means to assemble
- B01J2219/0081—Plurality of modules
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/025—Align devices or objects to ensure defined positions relative to each other
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
- B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
- B01L2200/027—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details for microfluidic devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
- B01L2300/0887—Laminated structure
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
- B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
- B01L2400/0622—Valves, specific forms thereof distribution valves, valves having multiple inlets and/or outlets, e.g. metering valves, multi-way valves
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
- B01L3/565—Seals
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
- B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
- B01L3/567—Valves, taps or stop-cocks
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
- G01N30/02—Column chromatography
- G01N30/60—Construction of the column
- G01N30/6095—Micromachined or nanomachined, e.g. micro- or nanosize
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/0318—Processes
- Y10T137/0402—Cleaning, repairing, or assembling
- Y10T137/0491—Valve or valve element assembling, disassembling, or replacing
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8593—Systems
- Y10T137/86493—Multi-way valve unit
- Y10T137/86863—Rotary valve unit
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a fluidic device for providing fluidic connections, to a fluidic system, and to an interconnection strip for providing fluidic connections.
- the present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a fluidic device, and to a method for fluidically connecting a first fluidic device and a second fluidic device.
- WO 00/78454 A1, DE 19928412 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,846 by the same applicant Agilent Technologies show different microfluidic chips and applications.
- Other microfluidic devices and applications are disclosed e.g. in WO 98/49548, U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,589, or WO 96/04547.
- EP 1715348 relates to a handling unit adapted for handling a microfluidic device.
- the handling unit comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and an actuation mechanism adapted for driving at least one of the clamping elements.
- WO 06/07878 A1 relates to a microfluidic arrangement for the optical detection of fluids.
- the arrangement comprises a microfluidic device having at least one first channel with an opening which is in fluid communication with an optical detection unit.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,207 B1 relates to fluidic, electrical, electronic, and optical flex circuits, also known as flexible circuits, and connections thereto.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,256 B2 relates to a flow-switching microdevice and to fluid flow control in microdevices. More specifically, the application relates to microdevices that employ a high pressure capable valve structure.
- US 2005/0048669 A1 relates to interfaces between microfluidic devices and related instruments or systems, and in particular to a gasketless microfluidic device interface.
- WO 05/84808 A1 discloses a frame for a microfluidic chip, the frame being adapted for receiving the microfluidic chip, or for protecting the microfluidic chip, or for positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame.
- sensitive parts of the microfluidic chip can be protected during handling, storage, and transport.
- the object is solved by the independent claim(s). Further embodiments are shown by the dependent claim(s).
- a fluidic device is adapted for providing fluidic connections and comprises a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port.
- the fluid port is fluidically connected with the fluid conduit.
- a contour of the planar coupling member is in a predefined relationship with the fluid port's position.
- the contour of the planar coupling member may e.g. be clamped or gripped by some sort of clamping device. Because of the predefined relationship between the fluid port's position and the contour of the planar coupling member, the fluid port is brought to a well-defined position when the planar coupling member is clamped, gripped or fastened. Hence, the position of the fluid port is known. The well-known position of the fluid port may e.g. be used for establishing a fluidic connection with any other fluidic device.
- the fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention provides a simple standard for establishing fluidic connections between fluidic devices.
- the fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention may be used instead of conventional capillaries, whereby the shortcomings of capillary fittings are avoided.
- planar coupling members for establishing fluidic connections by employing planar coupling members for establishing fluidic connections, dead volume of the fittings is reduced, and reliability of the fluidic connection is improved.
- the planar coupling member protrudes laterally from the fluidic device. Further preferably, the planar coupling member is an accessory member that protrudes laterally from the fluidic device. Via the planar coupling member's fluid port, fluidic connections with other fluidic devices can be set up.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a planar multilayer structure.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets.
- microstructured sheets may be stacked on top of one another and bonded.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets.
- a planar coupling member realized in this way is robust and durable and can withstand high fluid pressures.
- one or more of the sheets are machined in a way that the fluid conduit is formed in the stack.
- an abrasive process preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, is used for processing the metal sheets.
- the fluid port is realized as a via hole in an uppermost sheet, or in a lowermost sheet, or in both the uppermost and the lowermost sheet of the planar coupling member.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being coated with plastic material or with a hot-melt adhesive before being bonded.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being bonded by a joining process, preferably by diffusion welding.
- diffusion welding the stack of metal sheets is placed in a vacuum and exposed to heat for a certain period of time, whereby the metal sheets are pressed against one another. As a result, strong bonds are formed between the metal sheets.
- the metal sheets are electroplated before being bonded by diffusion welding.
- the fluidic device as a whole is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets.
- the fluidic device is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets.
- the fluidic device as a whole is realized as a planar structure.
- the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more metal sheets, wherein an abrasive process, preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, is used for processing at least one of: the fluid conduit of the fluidic device, the outer contour of the sheets.
- an abrasive process preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling
- the contour of the planar coupling member is an outer contour.
- the contour of the planar coupling member is provided by the planar coupling member's boundary. By gripping or clamping the outer contour of the planar coupling member, the planar coupling member may e.g. be aligned with another planar coupling member of another fluidic device.
- the contour of the planar coupling member is an inner contour of a cut-out of the planar coupling member.
- the contour of the planar coupling member is one of: a circular contour, a polygonal contour.
- planar coupling member's contour Due to the specific shape of the planar coupling member's contour, an alignment of the planar coupling ember is enforced when the planar coupling member is gripped or clamped. Dependent on the particular contour, a specific orientation of the planar coupling member may be enforced as well.
- the planar coupling member's contour may e.g. enforce an unambiguous alignment with a corresponding contour of another planar coupling member.
- the fluidic device is an interconnection strip comprising a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end and a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end.
- the first planar coupling member comprises a first fluid port
- the second planar coupling member comprises a second fluid port
- the interconnection strip comprises a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port.
- the planar interconnection strip is capable of establishing fluidic connections between different fluidic devices and provides the functionality of a conventional capillary.
- the fittings of conventional capillaries introduce dead volume to a flow path.
- no extra dead volume is introduced.
- Another advantage is that when using a planar connection technique according to embodiments of the present invention, fluidic connections may be detached and re-established as often as desired.
- the planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, the fluid port being located within the contact surface.
- the contact surface of a first planar coupling member may be pressed against the contact surface of another planar coupling member, whereby a fluidic connection is established. Due to the close contact between the two contact surfaces, a fluid-tight seal is accomplished.
- the fluid port is located within the contact surface, and the contact surface's area is several times as large as the fluid port's cross section.
- the fluidic device comprises a plurality of fluid conduits
- the planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the fluid ports being fluidically coupled with corresponding fluid conduits.
- the planar coupling member is adapted for being clamped together with another planar coupling member of another fluidic device, wherein a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of said another planar coupling member. Due to the specific relationship between the contour and the position of the fluid port, the fluid ports of the two planar coupling members are both located at a predefined position relative to the contours of the planar coupling members. When the respective contours of the two planar coupling members are aligned, the position of the first planar coupling member's fluid port matches with the position of the second planar coupling member's fluid port. The two fluid ports are positioned directly above one another. By pressing the planar coupling member against the other planar coupling member with a certain contact pressing force, a fluid-tight fluidic connection is accomplished.
- the fluidic device comprises one of: a switching valve, a reaction chamber, a pumping unit, a heat exchanger, a mixing device.
- a fluidic system comprises a first fluidic device as described above, with the first fluidic device comprising a first planar coupling member.
- the fluidic system further comprises a clamping device comprising a fitting adapted to the contour of the first planar coupling member, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member and for bringing the fluid port of the first planar coupling member to a predefined position.
- the fluidic system further comprises a second fluidic device as described above, the second fluidic device comprising a second planar coupling member.
- the clamping device is adapted for clamping together the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device and the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports
- the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports
- a plurality of fluidic connections are established between the fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding fluid ports of the second planar coupling member.
- the first planar coupling member's contour matches with the second planar coupling member's contour.
- the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports
- the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, each of the fluid ports' positions being in a predefined relationship with a contour of the respective planar coupling member.
- the clamping device is adapted for aligning the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, to provide for a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- the clamping device is adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- a small plate preferably a gold plate, is placed between the contact surface of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member.
- the contact surfaces serve as sealing surfaces.
- the clamping device is adapted for providing a detachable connection between the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member.
- first and the second planar coupling member are aligned and pressed against one another.
- the grip of the clamping device is loosened, and the planar coupling members may be removed.
- fluidic connections between fluidic devices may be set up and detached as desired.
- setting up and detaching fluidic connections between planar coupling members does not impair the planar coupling members.
- a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connection at fluid pressures of up to 1200 bar.
- the clamping device for pressing the first planar coupling member against the second planar coupling member, comprises one or more of: a screw, a headless screw, a grub screw, a wedge, a clamp lever, a bent lever, a bell-crank lever, a hydraulic cylinder.
- the first and the second planar coupling member may be clamped together by tightening a screw, or by actuating a clamp lever, etc.
- a hydraulic cylinder is employed for clamping the first and the second planar coupling member, clamping of the planar coupling members may be automated.
- the clamping device comprises a grub screw adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a contact surface of the second planar coupling member when the grub screw is tightened.
- the clamping device is adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member at different positions relative to the second planar coupling member, wherein in each of the different positions, different fluidic connections are set up between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and fluid ports of the second planar coupling member.
- the first fluidic device comprises two or more different channels having different cross-sections, each of the channels being fluidically connected to a corresponding fluid port of the first planar coupling member, wherein one of the two or more different channels may be selected by setting the first planar coupling member to one of a set of different positions relative to the second planar coupling member.
- a channel having a suitable cross section may be selected.
- the clamping device is adapted for clamping together three or more planar coupling members of three or more different fluidic devices, thereby establishing fluidic connections between the three or more planar coupling members.
- At least one of the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member comprises interlocking features that enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member.
- interlocking features of the first planar coupling member engage with corresponding interlocking features of the second planar coupling member.
- the interlocking features comprise one or more of: a protrusion, a nose, a catching recess, a cut-out.
- a protrusion or a nose of one of the planar coupling members is adapted for engaging with a corresponding catching recess or a cut-out of the respective other planar coupling member, to enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member.
- the clamping device comprises a fitting for a tubing or for a capillary, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the tubing or the capillary is established.
- a clamping device according to this embodiment is capable of establishing a fluidic connection between the planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention and conventional capillaries and tubings of the prior art.
- the clamping device comprises a stator element of a switching valve, the stator element comprising a set of stator ports, the clamping device being adapted for pressing the first planar coupling member against the stator element, thereby establishing fluidic connections between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding stator ports of the stator element.
- the fluidic system further comprises a rotor element pivotably mounted on the stator element.
- the clamping device comprises a fitting for a detection cell, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the detection cell is established.
- the fluid conduit of the first fluidic device branches out into a plurality of ramified fluid conduits, each fluid conduit being adapted for supplying fluid to a detection cell.
- fluid may be supplied to the detection cell in a way that any kind of turbulence is avoided, and disturbances of the measurement result are prevented.
- the clamping device comprises a fitting for a separation column, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the separation column is established.
- the first planar coupling member is adapted for supplying fluid to a separation column.
- the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports adapted for supplying fluid to an inlet of a separation column, the plurality of fluid ports being adapted to provide for a homogeneous supply of fluid to the separation column.
- An interconnection strip is adapted for providing fluidic connections.
- the interconnection strip is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets and comprises a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end, the first planar coupling member comprising a first fluid port, a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end, the second planar coupling member comprising a second fluid port, a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port.
- a method for manufacturing a fluidic device for providing fluidic connections is discloses, the fluidic device comprising a planar coupling member.
- the method comprises microstructuring one or more metal sheets; stacking the microstructured metal sheets; bonding the metal sheets by subjecting the metal sheets to a joining technique to form a multilayer structure.
- diffusion welding is used as a joining technique for bonding the metal sheets.
- a method for fluidically connecting a first fluidic device and a second fluidic device comprising a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port, the fluid port being fluidically connected with the fluid conduit.
- the method comprises aligning the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device in a clamping device and pressing the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device against the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, whereby a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the first fluidic device and the corresponding fluid port of the second fluidic device.
- FIG. 1 shows a connecting piece with a planar coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention
- FIG. 2 illustrates how fluidic connections are established between a first and a second planar coupling member
- FIG. 3 depicts two planar coupling members, with each planar coupling member comprising five fluid ports;
- FIG. 4 shows a clamping device for clamping two planar coupling members
- FIG. 5 shows a clamping device with a bell-crank lever
- FIG. 6 shows various fluidic devices made of a stack of metal sheets
- FIG. 7 illustrates how an inner contour of a cut-out is used for aligning two planar coupling members
- FIG. 8 shows an assembly of three planar coupling members
- FIG. 9 illustrates how different flow paths may be established between two planar coupling members
- FIG. 10 illustrates how the planar coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for realizing a switching valve
- FIG. 11 shows clamping devices that provide a fluidic coupling between a planar coupling member and a conventional capillary
- FIG. 12 depicts a planar coupling member adapted for providing a fluidic connection with a detection cell
- FIG. 13 shows a planar coupling member adapted for providing a fluidic connection with an inlet of a separation column.
- FIG. 1 shows a connecting piece 100 of a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the connecting piece 100 protrudes laterally from the fluidic device and comprises a planar coupling member 101 .
- the planar coupling member 101 has a circular contour 102 and comprises a fluid port 103 located at the center of a contact surface 104 . Hence, the location of the fluid port 103 is in a predefined relationship with the contour 102 of the planar coupling member 101 .
- the fluid port 103 is fluidically connected with a fluid channel 105 that provides a fluidic connection between the fluid port 103 and the fluidic device.
- the planar coupling member 101 is adapted for being pressed against another planar coupling member of another fluidic device. Thus, a fluidic connection is established between the fluid ports of the two planar coupling members.
- the connecting piece 100 and the planar coupling member 101 may for example be realized as a multilayer structure comprising two or more bonded plastic sheets or metal sheets.
- the planar structure shown in FIG. 1 is made of two metal sheets, a lower metal sheet 106 and an upper metal sheet 107 .
- the metal sheets 106 , 107 may for example be titanium sheets or stainless steel sheets with a thickness of about 0.05 mm up to single digit millimeter regions.
- techniques like e.g. electrochemical or chemical milling may be employed.
- Electrochemical or chemical milling may e.g. be used for forming the outer contour of the metal sheets, or for forming the fluid channel 105 , or for forming both the outer contour and the fluid channel.
- the fluid channel 105 may be formed by cutting a groove into the lower metal sheet 106 . Further alternatively, the fluid channel 105 may be formed by using a stamping process. The fluid port 103 is formed by cutting a via hole into the upper metal sheet 107 .
- the upper metal sheet 107 is bonded with the lower metal sheet 106 .
- diffusion welding is used for bonding the metal sheets.
- a multilayer structure comprising two or more stacked metal sheets is put in a vacuum oven for several hours, whereby the metal sheets are pressed against one another with a contact pressing force.
- the stack of metal sheets is subjected to a temperature below the melting point, and preferably to a temperature between 400° C. and 1050° C. depending on the metals to be bonded.
- heat vacuum and a contact pressing force to the stack of metal sheets, diffusion of the metal atoms is enhanced, and strong covalent bonds are formed between adjacent metal sheets.
- a multilayer structure with a fluid tight fluidic channel 105 is obtained.
- the metal sheets 106 , 107 which may for example be made of titanium or stainless steel, are electroplated before being bonded.
- the metal sheets 106 , 107 are electroplated with a noble metal, like e.g. gold, platinum, palladium, or with nickel.
- the plated metal sheets are subjected to diffusion welding as described above.
- the bonding temperature may be lower than the bonding temperature used in the first embodiment.
- Another advantage of using electroplated sheets is that a chemically inert surface is obtained along the fluid channel 105 .
- At least one surface of the metal sheets 106 , 107 is coated with plastic material, or with a hot-melt adhesive.
- a thin plastic foil may be placed between the metal sheets 106 , 107 . Then, the metal sheets are stacked, exposed to heat and pressed together for a certain period of time. After the plastic material or the hot-melt adhesive has been exposed to heat, a robust multilayer structure is obtained.
- the thickness of the coating must not be too thick, because otherwise plastic material may block the fluid channel 105 .
- a further step of modifying the inner surface of the fluid channel 105 may be carried out.
- a fluid containing biochemical moieties like for example proteins, RNA, DNA, etc. may pass through the fluid channel 105 .
- a step of modifying the inner surface of the fluid channel 105 may be carried out.
- the inner surface of the fluid channel 105 may be coated with gold, palladium, platinum or any other noble metal, whereby an electroplating technique or an electroless plating technique may be applied.
- a chemical surface modification of the fluid channel's inner surface may be carried out.
- FIGS. 2A to 2C it is shown how a fluidic connection is established between a first connecting piece 200 and a second connecting piece 204 .
- the first connecting piece 200 may for example be attached to a first fluidic device
- the second connecting piece 204 may for example be attached to a second fluidic device.
- the first connection piece 200 comprises a first planar coupling member 201 having a circular contour 202 .
- the first planar coupling member 201 comprises a fluid port 203 (indicated with dashed lines) located at the bottom side of the first planar coupling member 201 .
- the fluid port 203 is fluidically coupled with a fluid conduit that extends through the connecting piece 200 .
- the location of the fluid port 203 has a predefined relationship to the contour 202 of the first planar coupling member 201 .
- the fluid port 203 is located at the center of the circular contour 202 .
- the second connecting piece 204 comprises a second planar coupling member 205 having a circular contour 206 that corresponds to the circular contour 202 of the first planar coupling member 201 .
- a fluid port 207 located at the upper side of the second planar coupling member 205 is fluidically coupled with a fluid conduit 208 that extends through the second connecting piece 204 .
- the relationship between the location of the fluid port 207 and the circular contour 206 is also defined by said predefined relationship.
- Both the first connecting piece 200 and the second connecting piece 204 are realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets.
- the first connecting piece 200 is composed of an upper sheet 209 and a lower sheet 210 .
- the second connecting piece 204 is composed of an upper sheet 211 and a lower sheet 212 .
- FIG. 2B it is shown how the first connecting piece 200 is fluidically coupled with the second connecting piece 204 .
- the contour 202 of the first planar connecting member 201 is aligned with the corresponding contour 206 of the second planar coupling member 205 .
- the first planar coupling member 201 is pressed against the second planar coupling member 205 with a certain contact pressing force 213 .
- the fluid ports 203 and 207 are aligned as well.
- a fluidic coupling between the fluid ports 203 and 207 is established, whereby the respective contact surfaces of the first and the second planar coupling member 201 and 205 are adapted for sealing the fluidic connection.
- the area of these contact surfaces should not be too small.
- the magnitude of the contact pressing force 213 has to be sufficiently large for sealing the fluidic connection.
- the contact pressing force 213 may for example be exerted by a suitable clamping device.
- FIG. 2C shows a cross section of both the first connecting piece 200 and the second connecting piece 204 , wherein the contour 202 of the first planar coupling member 201 is aligned with the corresponding contour 206 of the second planar coupling member 205 .
- the fluid port 203 is aligned with the fluid port 207 , and via the two fluid ports 203 , 207 , a fluidic connection is established between the fluid conduit 214 and the fluid conduit 208 .
- the fluidic coupling technique depicted in FIGS. 2A to 2C is capable of providing fluid-tight fluidic connections between a first and a second fluidic device.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B two different types of planar coupling members are depicted.
- FIG. 3A shows a connecting piece 300 with a planar coupling member 301 having a circular contour 302 , whereby the planar coupling member 301 comprises five fluid ports 303 a to 303 e .
- Each of the fluid ports 303 a to 303 e is fluidically coupled with a dedicated fluid channel that extends through the connecting piece 300 .
- the five fluid ports 303 a to 303 e are arranged according to a predefined pattern: the fluid port 303 a is located at the center of the planar coupling member 301 , and the other fluid ports 303 b to 303 e are arranged on a circle around the central fluid port 303 a in a regular manner. Hence, the respective locations of each of the fluid ports 303 a to 303 e are in a predefined relationship with the contour 302 of the planar coupling member 301 .
- a complementary connecting piece 304 comprises a planar coupling member 305 having a circular contour 306 that corresponds to the circular contour 302 of the planar coupling member 301 .
- the fluid ports 307 a to 307 e of the planar coupling member 305 which are located at the bottom side of the planar coupling member 305 (indicated with dashed lines), are arranged according to the same pattern as the corresponding fluid ports 303 a to 303 e . Accordingly, when the planar coupling member 305 is aligned with the planar coupling member 301 in a way that the contour 306 matches with the contour 302 and the orientation of the connecting piece 304 corresponds to the orientation of the connecting piece 300 , fluidic connections are established between the fluid port 303 a and the corresponding fluid port 307 a , between the fluid port 303 b and the corresponding fluid port 307 b , etc. Thus, five fluidic connections may be established simultaneously between the connecting piece 300 and the connecting piece 304 .
- FIG. 3B shows a connecting piece 308 that comprises a planar coupling member 309 having a triangular contour.
- the planar coupling member 309 comprises three fluid ports 310 a to 310 c arranged in a predefined pattern.
- the complementary connecting piece 311 comprises a planar coupling member 312 having a corresponding triangular contour, with three fluid ports 313 a to 313 c (indicated with dashed lines) being located at the bottom side of the planar coupling member 312 .
- the fluid ports 313 a to 313 c are arranged according to the same predefined pattern as the corresponding fluid ports 310 a to 310 c .
- the contour of the planar coupling member 309 is aligned with the corresponding contour of the planar coupling member 312 , the positions of the fluid ports 310 a to 310 c match with the positions of the corresponding fluid ports 313 a to 313 c .
- three fluidic connections are established between the connecting pieces 308 and 311 .
- the triangular contour of the planar coupling members 309 and 312 simplifies the alignment of the planar coupling members.
- the contact pressing force for pressing a first planar coupling member against a second planar coupling member may for example be exerted by a clamping device.
- the clamping device 400 comprises a first opening 401 for inserting a first planar coupling member 402 of a first connecting piece 403 .
- the planar coupling member 402 has a rhombic contour and comprises two fluid ports 404 located at the upper side of the planar coupling member.
- the clamping device 400 further comprises a second opening 405 for inserting a second planar coupling member 406 of a second connecting piece 407 .
- the second planar coupling member 406 has a rhombic contour and comprises two fluid ports 408 (indicated with dashed lines) located at its bottom side.
- the second fluidic coupling member 406 is positioned on top of the first planar coupling member 402 .
- the interior of the clamping device 400 comprises fitting surfaces 409 , 410 that correspond to the rhombic contour of the planar coupling members 402 and 406 .
- the fitting surfaces 409 and 410 enforce an exact alignment of the planar coupling members 402 and 406 .
- the positions of the fluid ports 404 are brought into agreement with the positions of the corresponding fluid ports 408 .
- a grub screw 411 with a cross recess 412 is screwed into a corresponding internally threaded bore hole 413 .
- the grub screw 411 is tightened, the lower end 414 of the grub screw 411 presses the second planar coupling member 406 against the first planar coupling member 402 , and fluid-tight fluidic connections are established between the fluid ports 404 and the corresponding fluid ports 408 .
- the contact pressing force exerted by the grub screw 411 has to be sufficiently large to prevent leakage of the fluidic connections.
- FIG. 4C shows the clamping device 400 together with the first connection piece 403 and the second connecting piece 407 after the grub screw 411 has been tightened.
- the clamping connection between the first and the second connecting piece 403 and 407 is realized as a detachable fluidic connection.
- the grub screw 411 is untightened, and then, the first and the second connecting piece 403 and 407 can be pulled out of the clamping device 400 .
- the contact pressing force for pressing a planar coupling member against another planar coupling member may for example be generated by one of: a wedge, a clamp lever, a bent lever, a bell-crank lever, a hydraulic cylinder.
- a hydraulic cylinder for clamping the first and the second planar coupling member, the clamping operation may be automated.
- FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which a bell-crank lever 500 is pivotably mounted on a clamping device 501 .
- the clamping device 501 comprises a first opening 502 for inserting a first planar coupling member 503 of a first connecting piece 504 , and a second opening for inserting a second planar coupling member 505 of a second connecting piece 506 .
- the first planar coupling member 503 is pressed against the second planar coupling member 505 , whereby one or more fluid-tight fluidic connections are established.
- the bell-crank lever 500 is pulled in the upward direction.
- FIG. 6A shows an interconnection strip 600 that comprises a first planar coupling member 601 with a first fluid port 602 and a second planar coupling member 603 with a second fluid port 604 .
- a fluid conduit 605 extends from the first fluid port 602 to the second fluid port 604 and provides a fluidic connection between the two fluid ports 602 , 604 .
- An interconnection strip of the type shown in FIG. 6A may be implemented as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, with the fluid conduit 605 being realized as a groove, and with the fluid ports 602 , 604 being realized as via holes.
- the interconnection strip 600 shown in FIG. 6A is composed of an upper metal sheet 606 and a lower metal sheet 607 which are bonded by a diffusion welding process.
- the interconnection strip 600 of FIG. 6A may be used for providing a fluidic connection between two fluidic components.
- the first planar coupling member 601 may be clamped together with a corresponding planar coupling member of a first fluidic component
- the second planar coupling member 603 may be clamped together with a corresponding planar coupling member of a second fluidic component.
- the two fluidic components are fluidically interconnected via the first fluid port 602 , the fluid conduit 605 and the second fluid port 604 .
- the interconnection strip 600 can be used instead of a conventional glass capillary for interconnecting fluidic components.
- the interconnection strip 600 may be seen as a “planar capillary” that provides the functionality of a glass capillary.
- the interconnection strip 600 shown in FIG. 6A offers several advantages: first of all, the interconnection strip 600 is composed of metal sheets and therefore, it is more robust than a conventional glass capillary.
- the fluid conduit 605 may withstand fluid pressures of 1500 bar or more.
- the planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present inventions offers significant advantages compared to conventional capillary fittings. By pressing a first planar coupling member against a second planar coupling member, a direct fluidic contact is established between a fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- the dead volume of this fluidic connection is considerably smaller than the dead volume of a conventional capillary fitting.
- fluid volumes exchanged between microfluidic components become smaller and smaller, and hence, reducing dead volume is an important issue.
- FIG. 6B shows how a separation column can be implemented as a planar fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
- the fluidic device which is composed of two ore more metal sheets, comprises a first planar coupling member 608 with a first fluid port 609 , a column section 610 , and a second planar coupling member 611 with a second fluid port 612 .
- the column section 610 comprises a separation column 613 that may for example be filled with some kind of packing material.
- the first fluid port 609 is fluidically coupled with an inlet of the separation column 613
- a second fluid conduit 615 the outlet of the separation column 613 is fluidically connected with the second fluid port 612 .
- the fluidic device shown in FIG. 6B may be realized as a stack of two or more microstructured metal sheets.
- the planar coupling member 608 may for example be connected with a sample injection unit and/or with a solvent pump.
- the second planar coupling member 611 may be connected with a detection unit adapted for detecting sample compounds that have been separated during their passage through the separation column 613 .
- FIG. 6C shows a heat exchanger that is implemented as a planar fluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention.
- the heat exchanger comprises a first planar coupling member 616 with a first fluid port 617 , a planar heat exchanging section 618 , and a second planar coupling member 619 with a second fluid port 620 .
- a supply line 621 that is fluidically connected with the first fluid port 617 branches out into a plurality of feed lines 622 that supply fluid to an array of heat exchange cells 623 .
- the array of heat exchange cells 623 may for example be located in the vicinity of one of: a heating unit, a cooling unit, a Peltier element.
- the fluid After the fluid has been brought to a desired temperature, it is drained off via a plurality of discharge lines 624 .
- the discharge lines 624 are fluidically connected, via a discharge pipe 625 , with the second fluid port 620 .
- fluid of the desired temperature can be obtained.
- FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the planar fluidic coupling technique.
- a first connecting piece 700 comprises a first planar coupling member 701 with four fluid ports 702 a to 702 d located at the upper side of the first planar coupling member 701 .
- the first planar coupling member 701 is adapted for establishing fluidic connections with a second planar coupling member 703 of a second connecting piece 704 .
- the second planar coupling member 703 comprises four fluid ports 705 a to 705 d (indicated with dashed lines), which are located at the bottom side of the second planar coupling member 703 .
- the first planar coupling member 701 comprises a square cut-out 706 located at the planar coupling member's center
- the second planar coupling member 703 also comprises a square cut-out 707 that is identical with the cut-out 706 .
- the outer contour of the planar coupling members has been used for aligning the planar coupling members.
- the inner contour of the cut-outs 706 and 707 is used for aligning the first connecting piece 700 with the second connecting piece 704 .
- a clamping device 708 adapted for clamping both the first and the second planar coupling member 701 and 703 may comprise a pin 709 , with the lower part 710 of the pin 709 having a square cross section that corresponds to the square cut-outs 706 and 707 .
- the upper part 711 of the pin 709 comprises an external thread.
- a screw nut 712 is screwed onto the upper part 711 of the pin 709 in a way that the planar coupling member 703 is pressed onto the planar coupling member 701 with a sufficient contact pressing force to accomplish fluid-tight fluidic connections between the respective fluid ports.
- FIG. 8A An example is shown in FIG. 8A , where a first connecting piece 800 , a second connecting piece 801 and a third connecting piece 802 are clamped together.
- the first connecting piece 800 is made of three metal sheets 803 , 804 , 805 and comprises two fluid ports 806 , 807 located at the upper side. Fluid port 806 is fluidically connected with a channel 808 , and fluid port 807 is fluidically coupled with a channel 809 .
- the second connecting piece 801 is made of two metal sheets 810 and 811 . It comprises two fluid ports 812 , 813 located at its bottom side and one fluid port 814 located at its upper side.
- the fluid port 812 is fluidically coupled with a channel 815
- the fluid ports 813 and 814 form a via hole that extends through the second connecting piece 801 .
- the third connecting piece 802 is made of two metal sheets 816 , 817 and comprises a fluid port 818 located at its bottom side, the fluid port 818 being fluidically coupled with a channel 819 .
- the respective planar coupling members of the connecting pieces are aligned with one another and clamped together.
- fluid-tight fluidic connections are established between fluid ports 806 and 813 , between fluid ports 807 and 812 , and between fluid ports 814 and 818 .
- the channel 809 of the first connecting piece 800 is fluidically coupled with the channel 815 of the second connecting piece 801 .
- the channel 808 of the first connecting piece 800 is fluidically coupled with the channel 819 of the third connecting piece 802 .
- FIG. 8B shows another embodiment in which the connecting pieces are equipped with interlocking features that enforce a well-defined arrangement of the planar coupling members relative to one another.
- a first connecting piece 820 comprises a first planar coupling member 821 with fluid ports 822 .
- a second connecting piece 823 comprises a second planar coupling member 824 with fluid ports 825 .
- the second connecting piece 823 further comprises a bent locking member 826 and a recess 827 . If the second connecting piece 823 is properly positioned on the first connecting piece 820 , the bent locking member 826 engages with a corresponding recess 828 of the first connecting piece 820 .
- a third connecting piece 829 comprises a third planar coupling member 830 with fluid ports 831 .
- the third connecting piece 829 further comprises a bent locking member 832 .
- the bent locking member 832 engages with the corresponding recess 827 of the second connecting piece 823 .
- the bent locking member 832 and the corresponding recess 827 ensure a correct alignment of the third connecting piece 829 relative to the second connecting piece 823 and the first connecting piece 820 .
- FIGS. 9A to 9C it is shown how a first connecting piece 900 with a first planar coupling member 901 may be fixed to a second connecting piece 902 with a second planar coupling member 903 at different possible orientations, whereby in each of the different possible orientations, different fluidic connections are established between the first planar coupling member 901 and the second planar coupling member 903 .
- the first connecting piece 900 is composed of an upper metal sheet 904 and a lower metal sheet 905 .
- the second planar coupling member 902 is made of an upper metal sheet 906 and a lower metal sheet 907 .
- both the first planar coupling member 901 and the second planar coupling member 903 have a circular contour, which allows fixing the first planar coupling member 901 at different orientations relative to the second planar coupling member 903 .
- the first planar coupling member 901 comprises a fluid port 908 located at its bottom surface, the fluid port 908 being fluidically connected with a channel 909 .
- the upper surface of the second planar coupling member 903 comprises three fluid ports 910 a , 910 b , and 910 c .
- Each of the fluid ports 910 a , 910 b , and 910 c is fluidically connected with a corresponding channel 911 a , 911 b , 911 c that extends through the second connecting piece 902 .
- the first connecting piece 900 is fixed at a first orientation relative to the second connecting piece 902 .
- the location of the fluid port 908 matches with the location of the fluid port 910 a .
- a fluidic connection is established between the channel 909 of the first connecting piece 900 and the channel 911 a of the second connecting piece 902 .
- the first connecting piece 900 is set to another orientation relative to the second connecting piece 902 .
- the location of the fluid port 908 matches with the location of the fluid port 910 b .
- the first connecting piece 900 is fixed at a third orientation relative to the second connecting piece 902 , whereby a fluid-tight fluidic connection is established between the fluid port 908 and the fluid port 910 c .
- the channel 909 is fluidically connected with the channel 911 c.
- the channels 911 a , 911 b and 911 c may have different cross sections.
- a channel with an appropriate cross section may be selected.
- FIGS. 9A to 9C may for example be used for selecting a suitable flow path during assembly of the fluidic components.
- the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C may be employed for switching between different flow paths during operation of the fluidic system.
- a clamping device for pressing the first planar coupling member 901 against the second planar coupling member 903 may be adapted for automatically tightening and untightening the clamping connection.
- the clamping device may comprise a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or any other kind of actuation mechanism adapted for pressing the first planar coupling member 901 against the second planar coupling member 903 .
- the clamping device may for example comprise an actuation mechanism adapted for moving the first connecting piece 900 to different positions relative to the second connecting piece 902 .
- FIGS. 10A to 10D it is shown how the planar coupling technique that has been described so far may be combined with a rotor element, in order to realize a switching valve.
- a planar connecting piece 1000 that is made of an upper metal sheet 1001 and a lower metal sheet 1002 is inserted, via a cut-out 1003 , into a clamping device 1004 .
- the clamping device 1004 comprises a hexagon socket set screw 1005 .
- the upper end of the planar connecting piece 1000 is pressed against the rear face of a stator element 1006 .
- fluidic connections are established between fluid ports 1007 located at the upper side of the connecting piece 1000 and corresponding fluid channels 1008 that extend through the stator element 1006 .
- the front face of the stator element 1006 is in direct contact with a surface 1009 of a rotor element 1010 , whereby the rotor element 1010 may be pivoted around an axis of rotation 1011 .
- FIG. 10B gives a detailed view of the bottom surface 1009 of the rotor element 1010 .
- the bottom surface 1009 comprises a plurality of switching channels 1012 , which may for example be realized as grooves.
- the switching channels 1012 are adapted for providing fluidic connections between adjacent fluid channels 1008 .
- FIG. 10C gives a more detailed view of the planar connecting piece 1000 .
- the planar connecting piece 1000 may e.g. comprise four fluid ports 1007 .
- the planar connecting piece 1000 may comprise different features for aligning the planar connecting piece 1000 with the clamping device 1004 .
- the planar connecting piece 1000 may comprise a hole 1013 that is adapted for engaging with a corresponding protrusion.
- the planar connecting piece 1000 may further comprise respective slots 1014 and detents 1015 for fixing the planar connecting piece 1000 at a predefined position relative to the stator element 1006 .
- first connecting piece 1016 , 1017 are clamped between a first stator element 1018 and a second stator element 1019 .
- Each of the first connecting piece 1016 and the second connecting piece 1017 is composed of two bonded metal sheets.
- the first connecting piece 1016 comprises a channel 1020
- the second connecting piece 1017 comprises a channel 1021 .
- the first switching valve 1022 comprises, in addition to the stator element 1018 , a rotor element 1023 that is pivotably mounted on the stator element 1018 .
- the rotor element 1023 may be rotated around an axis of rotation 1024 .
- the stator element 1018 comprises a set of fluidic channels 1025 that provide fluidic connections between fluid ports of the first connecting piece 1016 and switching channels 1026 of the rotor element 1023 .
- the second switching valve 1027 comprises, in addition to the second stator element 1019 , a rotor element 1028 that may be pivoted around an axis of rotation 1029 .
- the stator element 1019 comprises fluidic channels that provide fluidic connections between fluid ports of the second connecting piece 1016 and switching channels of the rotor element 1028 . For switching between different flow paths, at least one of the rotor elements 1023 , 1028 is rotated.
- the planar coupling technique proposed in embodiments of the present invention is not limited to establishing fluidic connections between two or more planar coupling members.
- the planar coupling technique may as well be employed for providing fluidic connections between a planar coupling member and a conventional capillary.
- Capillaries which may for example be made of glass or stainless steel, are widely used for setting up fluidic connections between fluidic components.
- the planar coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention is capable of providing an interoperability between capillaries and planar coupling members.
- FIG. 11A shows a clamping device 1100 adapted for establishing a fluidic connection between a connecting piece 1101 and a capillary.
- the connecting piece 1101 may for example be made of two bonded metal sheets.
- the connecting piece 1101 comprises a planar coupling member 1102 with a fluid port 1103 , the fluid port 1103 being fluidically connected with a channel 1104 .
- the clamping device 1100 is adapted for fastening the planar coupling member 1102 .
- the clamping device 1100 comprises a socket component 1105 with an internal thread 1106 , and an inner clamping component 1107 .
- the inner clamping component 1107 comprises an external thread 1108 that is adapted for engaging with the socket component's internal thread 1106 when the inner clamping component 1107 is screwed into the socket component 1105 .
- the inner clamping component 1107 comprises a ring-shaped clamping surface 1109 . When the inner clamping component 1107 is tightened, the clamping surface 1109 is tightly pressed against the planar coupling member 1102 .
- the inner clamping component 1107 further comprises a fitting 1110 for fastening a capillary.
- the clamping device 1100 is adapted for providing a fluidic connection between the fluidic channel 1104 of the connecting piece 1101 and a capillary fixed in the fitting 1110 .
- FIG. 11B shows a clamping device 1111 adapted for clamping a planar coupling member 1112 of a connecting piece 1113 in a way that fluid connections are established with a first capillary and with a second capillary.
- the planar coupling member 1112 is clamped between a first clamping component 1114 and a second clamping component 1115 .
- the first clamping component 1114 is screwed into the clamping device 1111 from above, whereas the second clamping component 1115 is screwed into the clamping device 1111 from below.
- the clamping device 1111 further comprises a first fitting 1116 for a first capillary and a second fitting 1117 for a second capillary.
- a fluid port located at the upper side of the planar coupling member 1112 may be fluidically connected with a first capillary that has been mounted in the first fitting 1116 .
- a fluid port located at the bottom side of the planar coupling member 1112 may be fluidically coupled with a second capillary mounted in the second fitting 1117 .
- FIG. 12 shows a planar coupling member 1200 for establishing a fluidic connection with a detection cell.
- the detection cell is adapted for determining a physical property of a fluid passing through the detection cell.
- the detection cell may e.g. be an optical detection cell for determining an optical property of the fluid, or an electrical detection cell adapted for determining an electrical property of the fluid.
- turbulent flow of the fluid passing though the detection cell may have an impact on the detected physical property. Therefore, when supplying fluid to a detection cell, avoiding turbulent flow is an important issue, because turbulent flow may affect the obtained measurement results.
- the planar coupling member 1200 shown in FIG. 12 is made of an upper metal sheet 1201 and a lower metal sheet 1202 . Fluid is supplied to the detection cell via a fluid outlet 1203 located at the centre of the planar coupling member 1200 .
- a fluid supply channel 1204 branches out into a plurality of ramified fluid conduits 1205 , with each of the ramified fluid conduits 1205 being fluidically coupled with the outlet 1203 .
- Each of the ramified fluid conduits 1205 supplies a fraction of the total flow to the fluid outlet 1203 .
- the ramified fluid conduits 1205 may have different orientations relative to the fluid outlet 1203 . The contributions of the ramified fluid conduits 1205 add up to a resulting flow 1206 that is supplied to the detection cell.
- the planar coupling member 1200 may further comprise interlocking features that facilitate an alignment of the planar coupling member 1200 relative to the detection cell.
- the planar coupling member 1200 may comprise slots 1207 and detents 1208 that may engage with complementary features of a clamping device.
- FIG. 13 shows a connecting piece 1300 with a planar coupling member 1301 adapted for supplying fluid to a separation column 1302 , wherein the separation column 1302 is adapted for separating compounds of a fluid sample.
- the separation column 1302 may e.g. be filled with some kind of packing material.
- the planar coupling member 1301 comprises a plurality of fluid ports 1303 .
- a clamping device 1304 for fixing the planar coupling member 1301 is located at a first end of the separation column 1302 .
- the planar coupling member 1301 is placed on top of an intermediate piece 1305 .
- a grub screw 1306 is tightened, whereby the lower face of the planar coupling member 1301 is pressed against the intermediate piece 1305 .
- the intermediate piece 1305 comprises a set of fluid channels 1307 , whereby the location of the fluid channels 1307 corresponds to the respective locations of the fluid ports 1303 .
- the fluid channels 1307 provide fluidic connections between the fluid ports 1303 and the inlet of the separation column 1302 . After the fluid has passed through the fluid channels 1307 , it still has to pass through a frith 1308 before passing through the separation column 1302 .
Abstract
A fluidic device for providing fluidic connections is described. The fluidic device comprises a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port, the fluid port being fluidically connected with the fluid conduit. A contour of the planar coupling member is in a predefined relationship with the fluid port's position.
Description
- The present invention relates to a fluidic device for providing fluidic connections, to a fluidic system, and to an interconnection strip for providing fluidic connections. The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing a fluidic device, and to a method for fluidically connecting a first fluidic device and a second fluidic device.
- WO 00/78454 A1, DE 19928412 A1, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,814,846 by the same applicant Agilent Technologies show different microfluidic chips and applications. Other microfluidic devices and applications are disclosed e.g. in WO 98/49548, U.S. Pat. No. 6,280,589, or WO 96/04547.
- EP 1715348 relates to a handling unit adapted for handling a microfluidic device. The handling unit comprises a first clamping element and a second clamping element, and an actuation mechanism adapted for driving at least one of the clamping elements.
- The article “Fluidic interconnects for modular assembly of chemical microsystems” by C. Gonzalez et al., Sensors and Actuators B 49 (1998), pages 40-45 discloses an assembly technology which enables the modular interconnection, assembly and packaging of individual microfabricated components and/or modules.
- WO 06/07878 A1 relates to a microfluidic arrangement for the optical detection of fluids. The arrangement comprises a microfluidic device having at least one first channel with an opening which is in fluid communication with an optical detection unit.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,538,207 B1 relates to fluidic, electrical, electronic, and optical flex circuits, also known as flexible circuits, and connections thereto.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,702,256 B2 relates to a flow-switching microdevice and to fluid flow control in microdevices. More specifically, the application relates to microdevices that employ a high pressure capable valve structure.
- US 2005/0048669 A1 relates to interfaces between microfluidic devices and related instruments or systems, and in particular to a gasketless microfluidic device interface.
- WO 05/84808 A1 discloses a frame for a microfluidic chip, the frame being adapted for receiving the microfluidic chip, or for protecting the microfluidic chip, or for positioning the microfluidic chip relative to the frame. Thus, sensitive parts of the microfluidic chip can be protected during handling, storage, and transport.
- It is an object of the invention to provide an improved fluidic coupling technique for fluidically connecting fluidic devices. The object is solved by the independent claim(s). Further embodiments are shown by the dependent claim(s).
- A fluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention is adapted for providing fluidic connections and comprises a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port. The fluid port is fluidically connected with the fluid conduit. A contour of the planar coupling member is in a predefined relationship with the fluid port's position.
- The contour of the planar coupling member may e.g. be clamped or gripped by some sort of clamping device. Because of the predefined relationship between the fluid port's position and the contour of the planar coupling member, the fluid port is brought to a well-defined position when the planar coupling member is clamped, gripped or fastened. Hence, the position of the fluid port is known. The well-known position of the fluid port may e.g. be used for establishing a fluidic connection with any other fluidic device. Thus, the fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention provides a simple standard for establishing fluidic connections between fluidic devices.
- In particular, the fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention may be used instead of conventional capillaries, whereby the shortcomings of capillary fittings are avoided. For example, by employing planar coupling members for establishing fluidic connections, dead volume of the fittings is reduced, and reliability of the fluidic connection is improved.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member protrudes laterally from the fluidic device. Further preferably, the planar coupling member is an accessory member that protrudes laterally from the fluidic device. Via the planar coupling member's fluid port, fluidic connections with other fluidic devices can be set up.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member is realized as a planar multilayer structure. Preferably, the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets. For example, for manufacturing the planar coupling member, microstructured sheets may be stacked on top of one another and bonded. Further preferably, the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets. A planar coupling member realized in this way is robust and durable and can withstand high fluid pressures.
- Preferably, one or more of the sheets are machined in a way that the fluid conduit is formed in the stack. According to a preferred embodiment, an abrasive process, preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, is used for processing the metal sheets. Further preferably, the fluid port is realized as a via hole in an uppermost sheet, or in a lowermost sheet, or in both the uppermost and the lowermost sheet of the planar coupling member.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being coated with plastic material or with a hot-melt adhesive before being bonded.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being bonded by a joining process, preferably by diffusion welding. In diffusion welding, the stack of metal sheets is placed in a vacuum and exposed to heat for a certain period of time, whereby the metal sheets are pressed against one another. As a result, strong bonds are formed between the metal sheets. Preferably, the metal sheets are electroplated before being bonded by diffusion welding.
- In a preferred embodiment, the fluidic device as a whole is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets. Preferably, the fluidic device is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets. In this embodiment, the fluidic device as a whole is realized as a planar structure.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more metal sheets, wherein an abrasive process, preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, is used for processing at least one of: the fluid conduit of the fluidic device, the outer contour of the sheets.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the contour of the planar coupling member is an outer contour. Preferably, the contour of the planar coupling member is provided by the planar coupling member's boundary. By gripping or clamping the outer contour of the planar coupling member, the planar coupling member may e.g. be aligned with another planar coupling member of another fluidic device. According to an alternative embodiment, the contour of the planar coupling member is an inner contour of a cut-out of the planar coupling member. According to a further preferred embodiment, the contour of the planar coupling member is one of: a circular contour, a polygonal contour. Due to the specific shape of the planar coupling member's contour, an alignment of the planar coupling ember is enforced when the planar coupling member is gripped or clamped. Dependent on the particular contour, a specific orientation of the planar coupling member may be enforced as well. The planar coupling member's contour may e.g. enforce an unambiguous alignment with a corresponding contour of another planar coupling member.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the fluidic device is an interconnection strip comprising a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end and a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end. Preferably, the first planar coupling member comprises a first fluid port, the second planar coupling member comprises a second fluid port, and the interconnection strip comprises a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port. The planar interconnection strip is capable of establishing fluidic connections between different fluidic devices and provides the functionality of a conventional capillary. The fittings of conventional capillaries introduce dead volume to a flow path. In contrast, when clamping together planar coupling members according to embodiments of the present invention, no extra dead volume is introduced. Another advantage is that when using a planar connection technique according to embodiments of the present invention, fluidic connections may be detached and re-established as often as desired.
- In a preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, the fluid port being located within the contact surface. For example, the contact surface of a first planar coupling member may be pressed against the contact surface of another planar coupling member, whereby a fluidic connection is established. Due to the close contact between the two contact surfaces, a fluid-tight seal is accomplished. Preferably, the fluid port is located within the contact surface, and the contact surface's area is several times as large as the fluid port's cross section.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the fluidic device comprises a plurality of fluid conduits, and the planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the fluid ports being fluidically coupled with corresponding fluid conduits. Hence, a plurality of fluidic connections can be established in parallel.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, the planar coupling member is adapted for being clamped together with another planar coupling member of another fluidic device, wherein a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of said another planar coupling member. Due to the specific relationship between the contour and the position of the fluid port, the fluid ports of the two planar coupling members are both located at a predefined position relative to the contours of the planar coupling members. When the respective contours of the two planar coupling members are aligned, the position of the first planar coupling member's fluid port matches with the position of the second planar coupling member's fluid port. The two fluid ports are positioned directly above one another. By pressing the planar coupling member against the other planar coupling member with a certain contact pressing force, a fluid-tight fluidic connection is accomplished.
- Preferably, the fluidic device comprises one of: a switching valve, a reaction chamber, a pumping unit, a heat exchanger, a mixing device.
- A fluidic system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a first fluidic device as described above, with the first fluidic device comprising a first planar coupling member. The fluidic system further comprises a clamping device comprising a fitting adapted to the contour of the first planar coupling member, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member and for bringing the fluid port of the first planar coupling member to a predefined position.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the fluidic system further comprises a second fluidic device as described above, the second fluidic device comprising a second planar coupling member.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is adapted for clamping together the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device and the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, and a plurality of fluidic connections are established between the fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding fluid ports of the second planar coupling member. By clamping together the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member, a plurality of well-defined flow paths may be set up in parallel between the first and the second planar coupling member.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first planar coupling member's contour matches with the second planar coupling member's contour.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, each of the fluid ports' positions being in a predefined relationship with a contour of the respective planar coupling member. By aligning the first planar coupling member with the second planar coupling member, the respective positions of the fluid ports of the first and the second planar coupling member match as well, which is due to the predefined relationship between the contours and the respective positions of the fluid ports.
- Preferably, the clamping device is adapted for aligning the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, to provide for a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member. By applying a clamping force to the planar coupling members, a fluid-tight fluidic coupling between corresponding fluid ports of the first and the second planar coupling member is accomplished.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, a small plate, preferably a gold plate, is placed between the contact surface of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member.
- In a preferred embodiment, the contact surfaces serve as sealing surfaces.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is adapted for providing a detachable connection between the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member. For establishing a fluidic connection, the first and the second planar coupling member are aligned and pressed against one another. For detaching the fluidic connection, the grip of the clamping device is loosened, and the planar coupling members may be removed. Hence, by clamping and unclamping the planar coupling members, fluidic connections between fluidic devices may be set up and detached as desired. In contrast to conventional capillaries, setting up and detaching fluidic connections between planar coupling members does not impair the planar coupling members.
- According to a preferred embodiment, a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member.
- Preferably, a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connection at fluid pressures of up to 1200 bar.
- In a preferred embodiment, for pressing the first planar coupling member against the second planar coupling member, the clamping device comprises one or more of: a screw, a headless screw, a grub screw, a wedge, a clamp lever, a bent lever, a bell-crank lever, a hydraulic cylinder. For example, the first and the second planar coupling member may be clamped together by tightening a screw, or by actuating a clamp lever, etc. In case a hydraulic cylinder is employed for clamping the first and the second planar coupling member, clamping of the planar coupling members may be automated.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a grub screw adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a contact surface of the second planar coupling member when the grub screw is tightened.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member at different positions relative to the second planar coupling member, wherein in each of the different positions, different fluidic connections are set up between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and fluid ports of the second planar coupling member. Thus, a switching functionality for switching between different flow paths can be implemented.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first fluidic device comprises two or more different channels having different cross-sections, each of the channels being fluidically connected to a corresponding fluid port of the first planar coupling member, wherein one of the two or more different channels may be selected by setting the first planar coupling member to one of a set of different positions relative to the second planar coupling member. In dependence on a respective application, a channel having a suitable cross section may be selected.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device is adapted for clamping together three or more planar coupling members of three or more different fluidic devices, thereby establishing fluidic connections between the three or more planar coupling members.
- According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member comprises interlocking features that enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member. In case the first and the second planar coupling member are arranged at a predefined position and orientation relative to one another, interlocking features of the first planar coupling member engage with corresponding interlocking features of the second planar coupling member. Thus, a predefined positioning and alignment of the planar coupling members is enforced. Preferably, the interlocking features comprise one or more of: a protrusion, a nose, a catching recess, a cut-out. Further preferably, a protrusion or a nose of one of the planar coupling members is adapted for engaging with a corresponding catching recess or a cut-out of the respective other planar coupling member, to enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a fitting for a tubing or for a capillary, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the tubing or the capillary is established. A clamping device according to this embodiment is capable of establishing a fluidic connection between the planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention and conventional capillaries and tubings of the prior art.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a stator element of a switching valve, the stator element comprising a set of stator ports, the clamping device being adapted for pressing the first planar coupling member against the stator element, thereby establishing fluidic connections between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding stator ports of the stator element. Preferably, the fluidic system further comprises a rotor element pivotably mounted on the stator element.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a fitting for a detection cell, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the detection cell is established.
- According to a preferred embodiment, at the first planar coupling member, the fluid conduit of the first fluidic device branches out into a plurality of ramified fluid conduits, each fluid conduit being adapted for supplying fluid to a detection cell. Thus, fluid may be supplied to the detection cell in a way that any kind of turbulence is avoided, and disturbances of the measurement result are prevented.
- According to a further preferred embodiment, the clamping device comprises a fitting for a separation column, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the separation column is established.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first planar coupling member is adapted for supplying fluid to a separation column. Preferably, the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports adapted for supplying fluid to an inlet of a separation column, the plurality of fluid ports being adapted to provide for a homogeneous supply of fluid to the separation column.
- An interconnection strip according to embodiments of the invention is adapted for providing fluidic connections. The interconnection strip is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets and comprises a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end, the first planar coupling member comprising a first fluid port, a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end, the second planar coupling member comprising a second fluid port, a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port.
- A method for manufacturing a fluidic device for providing fluidic connections is discloses, the fluidic device comprising a planar coupling member. According to embodiments of the present invention, the method comprises microstructuring one or more metal sheets; stacking the microstructured metal sheets; bonding the metal sheets by subjecting the metal sheets to a joining technique to form a multilayer structure.
- According to a preferred embodiment, diffusion welding is used as a joining technique for bonding the metal sheets.
- A method for fluidically connecting a first fluidic device and a second fluidic device is disclosed, each of the first and the second fluidic device comprising a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port, the fluid port being fluidically connected with the fluid conduit. According to embodiments of the present invention, the method comprises aligning the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device in a clamping device and pressing the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device against the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, whereby a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the first fluidic device and the corresponding fluid port of the second fluidic device.
- Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of embodiments of the present invention will be readily appreciated and become better understood by reference to the following more detailed description of embodiments in connection with the accompanied drawing(s). Features that are substantially or functionally equal or similar will be referred to by the same reference sign(s).
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FIG. 1 shows a connecting piece with a planar coupling member according to an embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 illustrates how fluidic connections are established between a first and a second planar coupling member; -
FIG. 3 depicts two planar coupling members, with each planar coupling member comprising five fluid ports; -
FIG. 4 shows a clamping device for clamping two planar coupling members; -
FIG. 5 shows a clamping device with a bell-crank lever; -
FIG. 6 shows various fluidic devices made of a stack of metal sheets; -
FIG. 7 illustrates how an inner contour of a cut-out is used for aligning two planar coupling members; -
FIG. 8 shows an assembly of three planar coupling members; -
FIG. 9 illustrates how different flow paths may be established between two planar coupling members; -
FIG. 10 illustrates how the planar coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention can be used for realizing a switching valve; -
FIG. 11 shows clamping devices that provide a fluidic coupling between a planar coupling member and a conventional capillary; -
FIG. 12 depicts a planar coupling member adapted for providing a fluidic connection with a detection cell; and -
FIG. 13 shows a planar coupling member adapted for providing a fluidic connection with an inlet of a separation column. -
FIG. 1 shows a connectingpiece 100 of a fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The connectingpiece 100 protrudes laterally from the fluidic device and comprises aplanar coupling member 101. Theplanar coupling member 101 has acircular contour 102 and comprises afluid port 103 located at the center of acontact surface 104. Hence, the location of thefluid port 103 is in a predefined relationship with thecontour 102 of theplanar coupling member 101. Thefluid port 103 is fluidically connected with afluid channel 105 that provides a fluidic connection between thefluid port 103 and the fluidic device. - The
planar coupling member 101 is adapted for being pressed against another planar coupling member of another fluidic device. Thus, a fluidic connection is established between the fluid ports of the two planar coupling members. - The connecting
piece 100 and theplanar coupling member 101 may for example be realized as a multilayer structure comprising two or more bonded plastic sheets or metal sheets. For example, the planar structure shown inFIG. 1 is made of two metal sheets, alower metal sheet 106 and anupper metal sheet 107. Themetal sheets metal sheets fluid channel 105, or for forming both the outer contour and the fluid channel. Alternatively, thefluid channel 105 may be formed by cutting a groove into thelower metal sheet 106. Further alternatively, thefluid channel 105 may be formed by using a stamping process. Thefluid port 103 is formed by cutting a via hole into theupper metal sheet 107. - After the
metal sheets upper metal sheet 107 is bonded with thelower metal sheet 106. - According to a first embodiment, diffusion welding is used for bonding the metal sheets. In diffusion welding, a multilayer structure comprising two or more stacked metal sheets is put in a vacuum oven for several hours, whereby the metal sheets are pressed against one another with a contact pressing force. Preferably, the stack of metal sheets is subjected to a temperature below the melting point, and preferably to a temperature between 400° C. and 1050° C. depending on the metals to be bonded. By applying heat, vacuum and a contact pressing force to the stack of metal sheets, diffusion of the metal atoms is enhanced, and strong covalent bonds are formed between adjacent metal sheets. As a result, a multilayer structure with a fluid tight
fluidic channel 105 is obtained. - According to a second embodiment, the
metal sheets metal sheets fluid channel 105. - According to a third embodiment, at least one surface of the
metal sheets metal sheets fluid channel 105. - Optionally, a further step of modifying the inner surface of the
fluid channel 105 may be carried out. For example, in case the fluidic device is applied in the field of analyzing biochemical compounds, a fluid containing biochemical moieties like for example proteins, RNA, DNA, etc. may pass through thefluid channel 105. To prevent adhesion of these biochemical compounds, a step of modifying the inner surface of thefluid channel 105 may be carried out. For example, to prevent adhesion, the inner surface of thefluid channel 105 may be coated with gold, palladium, platinum or any other noble metal, whereby an electroplating technique or an electroless plating technique may be applied. Alternatively, a chemical surface modification of the fluid channel's inner surface may be carried out. - In
FIGS. 2A to 2C , it is shown how a fluidic connection is established between a first connectingpiece 200 and a second connectingpiece 204. The first connectingpiece 200 may for example be attached to a first fluidic device, and the second connectingpiece 204 may for example be attached to a second fluidic device. - As shown in
FIG. 2A , thefirst connection piece 200 comprises a firstplanar coupling member 201 having acircular contour 202. The firstplanar coupling member 201 comprises a fluid port 203 (indicated with dashed lines) located at the bottom side of the firstplanar coupling member 201. Thefluid port 203 is fluidically coupled with a fluid conduit that extends through the connectingpiece 200. The location of thefluid port 203 has a predefined relationship to thecontour 202 of the firstplanar coupling member 201. In the example ofFIG. 2A , thefluid port 203 is located at the center of thecircular contour 202. - The second connecting
piece 204 comprises a secondplanar coupling member 205 having acircular contour 206 that corresponds to thecircular contour 202 of the firstplanar coupling member 201. Afluid port 207 located at the upper side of the secondplanar coupling member 205 is fluidically coupled with afluid conduit 208 that extends through the second connectingpiece 204. The relationship between the location of thefluid port 207 and thecircular contour 206 is also defined by said predefined relationship. - Both the first connecting
piece 200 and the second connectingpiece 204 are realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets. The first connectingpiece 200 is composed of anupper sheet 209 and alower sheet 210. Correspondingly, the second connectingpiece 204 is composed of anupper sheet 211 and alower sheet 212. - In
FIG. 2B , it is shown how the first connectingpiece 200 is fluidically coupled with the second connectingpiece 204. For this purpose, thecontour 202 of the first planar connectingmember 201 is aligned with the correspondingcontour 206 of the secondplanar coupling member 205. Furthermore, the firstplanar coupling member 201 is pressed against the secondplanar coupling member 205 with a certaincontact pressing force 213. - Because of the predefined relationship between the respective locations of the
fluid ports corresponding contours contours fluid ports planar coupling members fluid ports fluid ports planar coupling member contact pressing force 213 has to be sufficiently large for sealing the fluidic connection. Thecontact pressing force 213 may for example be exerted by a suitable clamping device. -
FIG. 2C shows a cross section of both the first connectingpiece 200 and the second connectingpiece 204, wherein thecontour 202 of the firstplanar coupling member 201 is aligned with the correspondingcontour 206 of the secondplanar coupling member 205. As a consequence, thefluid port 203 is aligned with thefluid port 207, and via the twofluid ports fluid conduit 214 and thefluid conduit 208. Hence, the fluidic coupling technique depicted inFIGS. 2A to 2C is capable of providing fluid-tight fluidic connections between a first and a second fluidic device. - In
FIGS. 3A and 3B , two different types of planar coupling members are depicted.FIG. 3A shows a connectingpiece 300 with aplanar coupling member 301 having acircular contour 302, whereby theplanar coupling member 301 comprises fivefluid ports 303 a to 303 e. Each of thefluid ports 303 a to 303 e is fluidically coupled with a dedicated fluid channel that extends through the connectingpiece 300. The fivefluid ports 303 a to 303 e are arranged according to a predefined pattern: thefluid port 303 a is located at the center of theplanar coupling member 301, and theother fluid ports 303 b to 303 e are arranged on a circle around thecentral fluid port 303 a in a regular manner. Hence, the respective locations of each of thefluid ports 303 a to 303 e are in a predefined relationship with thecontour 302 of theplanar coupling member 301. A complementary connectingpiece 304 comprises aplanar coupling member 305 having acircular contour 306 that corresponds to thecircular contour 302 of theplanar coupling member 301. Thefluid ports 307 a to 307 e of theplanar coupling member 305, which are located at the bottom side of the planar coupling member 305 (indicated with dashed lines), are arranged according to the same pattern as the correspondingfluid ports 303 a to 303 e. Accordingly, when theplanar coupling member 305 is aligned with theplanar coupling member 301 in a way that thecontour 306 matches with thecontour 302 and the orientation of the connectingpiece 304 corresponds to the orientation of the connectingpiece 300, fluidic connections are established between thefluid port 303 a and the correspondingfluid port 307 a, between thefluid port 303 b and the correspondingfluid port 307 b, etc. Thus, five fluidic connections may be established simultaneously between the connectingpiece 300 and the connectingpiece 304. - To provide for an unambiguous alignment, planar coupling members with a polygonal contour may e.g. be employed. For example,
FIG. 3B shows a connectingpiece 308 that comprises aplanar coupling member 309 having a triangular contour. Theplanar coupling member 309 comprises threefluid ports 310 a to 310 c arranged in a predefined pattern. The complementary connectingpiece 311 comprises aplanar coupling member 312 having a corresponding triangular contour, with threefluid ports 313 a to 313 c (indicated with dashed lines) being located at the bottom side of theplanar coupling member 312. Thefluid ports 313 a to 313 c are arranged according to the same predefined pattern as the correspondingfluid ports 310 a to 310 c. When the contour of theplanar coupling member 309 is aligned with the corresponding contour of theplanar coupling member 312, the positions of thefluid ports 310 a to 310 c match with the positions of the correspondingfluid ports 313 a to 313 c. As a result, three fluidic connections are established between the connectingpieces planar coupling members - The contact pressing force for pressing a first planar coupling member against a second planar coupling member may for example be exerted by a clamping device. As shown in
FIG. 4A , theclamping device 400 comprises afirst opening 401 for inserting a firstplanar coupling member 402 of a first connectingpiece 403. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 4 , theplanar coupling member 402 has a rhombic contour and comprises twofluid ports 404 located at the upper side of the planar coupling member. Theclamping device 400 further comprises asecond opening 405 for inserting a secondplanar coupling member 406 of a second connectingpiece 407. The secondplanar coupling member 406 has a rhombic contour and comprises two fluid ports 408 (indicated with dashed lines) located at its bottom side. In the interior of theclamping device 400, the secondfluidic coupling member 406 is positioned on top of the firstplanar coupling member 402. As shown inFIG. 4B , the interior of theclamping device 400 comprisesfitting surfaces planar coupling members fitting surfaces planar coupling members fluid ports 404 are brought into agreement with the positions of the correspondingfluid ports 408. - For fastening the
planar coupling members grub screw 411 with across recess 412 is screwed into a corresponding internally threadedbore hole 413. When thegrub screw 411 is tightened, thelower end 414 of thegrub screw 411 presses the secondplanar coupling member 406 against the firstplanar coupling member 402, and fluid-tight fluidic connections are established between thefluid ports 404 and the correspondingfluid ports 408. The contact pressing force exerted by thegrub screw 411 has to be sufficiently large to prevent leakage of the fluidic connections. -
FIG. 4C shows theclamping device 400 together with thefirst connection piece 403 and the second connectingpiece 407 after thegrub screw 411 has been tightened. The clamping connection between the first and the second connectingpiece grub screw 411 is untightened, and then, the first and the second connectingpiece clamping device 400. - Alternatively, the contact pressing force for pressing a planar coupling member against another planar coupling member may for example be generated by one of: a wedge, a clamp lever, a bent lever, a bell-crank lever, a hydraulic cylinder. For example, by using a hydraulic cylinder for clamping the first and the second planar coupling member, the clamping operation may be automated.
-
FIG. 5 shows an embodiment in which a bell-crank lever 500 is pivotably mounted on aclamping device 501. Theclamping device 501 comprises afirst opening 502 for inserting a firstplanar coupling member 503 of a first connectingpiece 504, and a second opening for inserting a secondplanar coupling member 505 of a second connectingpiece 506. By depressing the bell-cranklever 500, the firstplanar coupling member 503 is pressed against the secondplanar coupling member 505, whereby one or more fluid-tight fluidic connections are established. For detaching the fluidic connection between the first and the second connectingpiece lever 500 is pulled in the upward direction. - So far, it has been described that connecting pieces adapted for fluidically coupling different fluidic devices can be realized using the above-described planar fluidic coupling technique. However, the planar fluidic coupling technique may as well be employed for realizing not only the connecting pieces, but a fluidic device as a whole. In
FIGS. 6A to 6C , three different examples of planar fluidic devices are given.FIG. 6A shows aninterconnection strip 600 that comprises a firstplanar coupling member 601 with a firstfluid port 602 and a secondplanar coupling member 603 with a second fluid port 604. Within theinterconnection strip 600, afluid conduit 605 extends from the firstfluid port 602 to the second fluid port 604 and provides a fluidic connection between the twofluid ports 602, 604. - An interconnection strip of the type shown in
FIG. 6A may be implemented as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, with thefluid conduit 605 being realized as a groove, and with thefluid ports 602, 604 being realized as via holes. In particular, theinterconnection strip 600 shown inFIG. 6A is composed of anupper metal sheet 606 and alower metal sheet 607 which are bonded by a diffusion welding process. - The
interconnection strip 600 ofFIG. 6A may be used for providing a fluidic connection between two fluidic components. For this purpose, the firstplanar coupling member 601 may be clamped together with a corresponding planar coupling member of a first fluidic component, and the secondplanar coupling member 603 may be clamped together with a corresponding planar coupling member of a second fluidic component. As a result, the two fluidic components are fluidically interconnected via the firstfluid port 602, thefluid conduit 605 and the second fluid port 604. Hence, theinterconnection strip 600 can be used instead of a conventional glass capillary for interconnecting fluidic components. In fact, theinterconnection strip 600 may be seen as a “planar capillary” that provides the functionality of a glass capillary. - Compared to a glass capillary, the
interconnection strip 600 shown inFIG. 6A offers several advantages: first of all, theinterconnection strip 600 is composed of metal sheets and therefore, it is more robust than a conventional glass capillary. In particular, thefluid conduit 605 may withstand fluid pressures of 1500 bar or more. Furthermore, the planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present inventions offers significant advantages compared to conventional capillary fittings. By pressing a first planar coupling member against a second planar coupling member, a direct fluidic contact is established between a fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member. Hence, the dead volume of this fluidic connection is considerably smaller than the dead volume of a conventional capillary fitting. In microfluidics, fluid volumes exchanged between microfluidic components become smaller and smaller, and hence, reducing dead volume is an important issue. -
FIG. 6B shows how a separation column can be implemented as a planar fluidic device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The fluidic device, which is composed of two ore more metal sheets, comprises a firstplanar coupling member 608 with a firstfluid port 609, acolumn section 610, and a secondplanar coupling member 611 with a secondfluid port 612. Thecolumn section 610 comprises aseparation column 613 that may for example be filled with some kind of packing material. Via a firstfluid conduit 614, the firstfluid port 609 is fluidically coupled with an inlet of theseparation column 613, and via a secondfluid conduit 615, the outlet of theseparation column 613 is fluidically connected with the secondfluid port 612. The fluidic device shown inFIG. 6B may be realized as a stack of two or more microstructured metal sheets. - For integrating the separation column shown in
FIG. 6B into a separation system, theplanar coupling member 608 may for example be connected with a sample injection unit and/or with a solvent pump. The secondplanar coupling member 611 may be connected with a detection unit adapted for detecting sample compounds that have been separated during their passage through theseparation column 613. By employing a planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention, the planar fluidic device ofFIG. 6B can be easily replaced whenever this is necessary. -
FIG. 6C shows a heat exchanger that is implemented as a planar fluidic device according to embodiments of the present invention. The heat exchanger comprises a firstplanar coupling member 616 with a firstfluid port 617, a planarheat exchanging section 618, and a secondplanar coupling member 619 with a secondfluid port 620. Asupply line 621 that is fluidically connected with the firstfluid port 617 branches out into a plurality offeed lines 622 that supply fluid to an array ofheat exchange cells 623. The array ofheat exchange cells 623 may for example be located in the vicinity of one of: a heating unit, a cooling unit, a Peltier element. After the fluid has been brought to a desired temperature, it is drained off via a plurality of discharge lines 624. The discharge lines 624 are fluidically connected, via adischarge pipe 625, with the secondfluid port 620. At the secondfluid port 620, fluid of the desired temperature can be obtained. -
FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the planar fluidic coupling technique. A first connectingpiece 700 comprises a firstplanar coupling member 701 with fourfluid ports 702 a to 702 d located at the upper side of the firstplanar coupling member 701. The firstplanar coupling member 701 is adapted for establishing fluidic connections with a secondplanar coupling member 703 of a second connectingpiece 704. The secondplanar coupling member 703 comprises four fluid ports 705 a to 705 d (indicated with dashed lines), which are located at the bottom side of the secondplanar coupling member 703. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , the firstplanar coupling member 701 comprises a square cut-out 706 located at the planar coupling member's center, and the secondplanar coupling member 703 also comprises a square cut-out 707 that is identical with the cut-out 706. In the embodiments that have been described so far, the outer contour of the planar coupling members has been used for aligning the planar coupling members. In contrast, in the embodiment shown inFIG. 7 , the inner contour of the cut-outs piece 700 with the second connectingpiece 704. For example, aclamping device 708 adapted for clamping both the first and the secondplanar coupling member pin 709, with thelower part 710 of thepin 709 having a square cross section that corresponds to the square cut-outs upper part 711 of thepin 709 comprises an external thread. When the firstplanar coupling member 701 and the secondplanar coupling member 703 are plugged onto theclamping device 708, thelower part 710 of thepin 709 engages with the cut-outs fluid ports 702 a to 702 d are aligned with the corresponding fluid ports 705 a to 705 d. Ascrew nut 712 is screwed onto theupper part 711 of thepin 709 in a way that theplanar coupling member 703 is pressed onto theplanar coupling member 701 with a sufficient contact pressing force to accomplish fluid-tight fluidic connections between the respective fluid ports. - So far, fluidic coupling between two connecting pieces has been discussed. However, for realizing more complex flow paths, the planar fluidic coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention may also be used for fluidically coupling three or more connecting pieces. An example is shown in
FIG. 8A , where a first connectingpiece 800, a second connectingpiece 801 and a third connectingpiece 802 are clamped together. The first connectingpiece 800 is made of threemetal sheets fluid ports Fluid port 806 is fluidically connected with achannel 808, andfluid port 807 is fluidically coupled with achannel 809. - The second connecting
piece 801 is made of twometal sheets fluid ports fluid port 814 located at its upper side. Thefluid port 812 is fluidically coupled with achannel 815, whereas thefluid ports piece 801. The third connectingpiece 802 is made of twometal sheets fluid port 818 located at its bottom side, thefluid port 818 being fluidically coupled with achannel 819. For fluidically connecting the connectingpieces fluid ports fluid ports fluid ports channel 809 of the first connectingpiece 800 is fluidically coupled with thechannel 815 of the second connectingpiece 801. Furthermore, thechannel 808 of the first connectingpiece 800 is fluidically coupled with thechannel 819 of the third connectingpiece 802. -
FIG. 8B shows another embodiment in which the connecting pieces are equipped with interlocking features that enforce a well-defined arrangement of the planar coupling members relative to one another. A first connectingpiece 820 comprises a firstplanar coupling member 821 withfluid ports 822. A second connectingpiece 823 comprises a secondplanar coupling member 824 withfluid ports 825. The second connectingpiece 823 further comprises abent locking member 826 and arecess 827. If the second connectingpiece 823 is properly positioned on the first connectingpiece 820, thebent locking member 826 engages with acorresponding recess 828 of the first connectingpiece 820. The interaction between thebent locking member 826 and therecess 828 provides for a correct alignment of the first connectingpiece 820 and the second connectingpiece 823. A third connectingpiece 829 comprises a thirdplanar coupling member 830 withfluid ports 831. The third connectingpiece 829 further comprises abent locking member 832. When the third connectingpiece 829 is properly aligned with the second connectingpiece 823, thebent locking member 832 engages with thecorresponding recess 827 of the second connectingpiece 823. Hence, thebent locking member 832 and thecorresponding recess 827 ensure a correct alignment of the third connectingpiece 829 relative to the second connectingpiece 823 and the first connectingpiece 820. In particular, it is prevented that the connectingpieces - In
FIGS. 9A to 9C , it is shown how a first connectingpiece 900 with a firstplanar coupling member 901 may be fixed to a second connectingpiece 902 with a secondplanar coupling member 903 at different possible orientations, whereby in each of the different possible orientations, different fluidic connections are established between the firstplanar coupling member 901 and the secondplanar coupling member 903. As shown inFIG. 9A , the first connectingpiece 900 is composed of anupper metal sheet 904 and alower metal sheet 905. The secondplanar coupling member 902 is made of anupper metal sheet 906 and alower metal sheet 907. Preferably, both the firstplanar coupling member 901 and the secondplanar coupling member 903 have a circular contour, which allows fixing the firstplanar coupling member 901 at different orientations relative to the secondplanar coupling member 903. The firstplanar coupling member 901 comprises afluid port 908 located at its bottom surface, thefluid port 908 being fluidically connected with achannel 909. The upper surface of the secondplanar coupling member 903 comprises threefluid ports fluid ports corresponding channel piece 902. - In
FIG. 9A , the first connectingpiece 900 is fixed at a first orientation relative to the second connectingpiece 902. In this first orientation, the location of thefluid port 908 matches with the location of thefluid port 910 a. Thus, a fluidic connection is established between thechannel 909 of the first connectingpiece 900 and thechannel 911 a of the second connectingpiece 902. - In
FIG. 9B , the first connectingpiece 900 is set to another orientation relative to the second connectingpiece 902. Now, the location of thefluid port 908 matches with the location of thefluid port 910 b. By pressing the firstplanar coupling member 901 against the secondplanar coupling member 903, a fluid-tight fluidic connection is established between thechannel 909 of the first connectingpiece 900 and thechannel 911 b of the second connectingpiece 902. - In
FIG. 9C , the first connectingpiece 900 is fixed at a third orientation relative to the second connectingpiece 902, whereby a fluid-tight fluidic connection is established between thefluid port 908 and thefluid port 910 c. In this third orientation, thechannel 909 is fluidically connected with thechannel 911 c. - By fixing the first connecting
piece 900 relative to the second connectingpiece 902 at one of the positions shown inFIGS. 9A , 9B and 9C, it is possible to select between different flow paths. For example, thechannels piece 900 relative to the second connectingpiece 902, a channel with an appropriate cross section may be selected. - The embodiment illustrated in
FIGS. 9A to 9C may for example be used for selecting a suitable flow path during assembly of the fluidic components. Alternatively, the embodiment shown inFIGS. 9A to 9C may be employed for switching between different flow paths during operation of the fluidic system. In this case, a clamping device for pressing the firstplanar coupling member 901 against the secondplanar coupling member 903 may be adapted for automatically tightening and untightening the clamping connection. For example, the clamping device may comprise a pneumatic cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or any other kind of actuation mechanism adapted for pressing the firstplanar coupling member 901 against the secondplanar coupling member 903. Furthermore, the clamping device may for example comprise an actuation mechanism adapted for moving the first connectingpiece 900 to different positions relative to the second connectingpiece 902. - In
FIGS. 10A to 10D , it is shown how the planar coupling technique that has been described so far may be combined with a rotor element, in order to realize a switching valve. A planar connectingpiece 1000 that is made of anupper metal sheet 1001 and alower metal sheet 1002 is inserted, via a cut-out 1003, into aclamping device 1004. Theclamping device 1004 comprises a hexagonsocket set screw 1005. By tightening theset screw 1005, the upper end of the planar connectingpiece 1000 is pressed against the rear face of astator element 1006. Thus, fluidic connections are established betweenfluid ports 1007 located at the upper side of the connectingpiece 1000 and correspondingfluid channels 1008 that extend through thestator element 1006. The front face of thestator element 1006 is in direct contact with asurface 1009 of arotor element 1010, whereby therotor element 1010 may be pivoted around an axis ofrotation 1011. -
FIG. 10B gives a detailed view of thebottom surface 1009 of therotor element 1010. Thebottom surface 1009 comprises a plurality of switchingchannels 1012, which may for example be realized as grooves. The switchingchannels 1012 are adapted for providing fluidic connections between adjacentfluid channels 1008. By setting therotor element 1010 to different positions relative to thestator element 1006, different flow paths may be set up between thefluid ports 1007 of the planar connectingpiece 1000. Hence, by rotating therotor element 1010 of the switching valve, switching between different flow paths may be effected. -
FIG. 10C gives a more detailed view of the planar connectingpiece 1000. The planar connectingpiece 1000 may e.g. comprise fourfluid ports 1007. Furthermore, the planar connectingpiece 1000 may comprise different features for aligning the planar connectingpiece 1000 with theclamping device 1004. For example, the planar connectingpiece 1000 may comprise ahole 1013 that is adapted for engaging with a corresponding protrusion. The planar connectingpiece 1000 may further compriserespective slots 1014 anddetents 1015 for fixing the planar connectingpiece 1000 at a predefined position relative to thestator element 1006. - In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 10D , two connectingpieces first stator element 1018 and asecond stator element 1019. Each of the first connectingpiece 1016 and the second connectingpiece 1017 is composed of two bonded metal sheets. The first connectingpiece 1016 comprises achannel 1020, and the second connectingpiece 1017 comprises achannel 1021. Thefirst switching valve 1022 comprises, in addition to thestator element 1018, arotor element 1023 that is pivotably mounted on thestator element 1018. Therotor element 1023 may be rotated around an axis ofrotation 1024. Thestator element 1018 comprises a set offluidic channels 1025 that provide fluidic connections between fluid ports of the first connectingpiece 1016 and switchingchannels 1026 of therotor element 1023. Correspondingly, thesecond switching valve 1027 comprises, in addition to thesecond stator element 1019, arotor element 1028 that may be pivoted around an axis ofrotation 1029. Thestator element 1019 comprises fluidic channels that provide fluidic connections between fluid ports of the second connectingpiece 1016 and switching channels of therotor element 1028. For switching between different flow paths, at least one of therotor elements - The planar coupling technique proposed in embodiments of the present invention is not limited to establishing fluidic connections between two or more planar coupling members. The planar coupling technique may as well be employed for providing fluidic connections between a planar coupling member and a conventional capillary. Capillaries, which may for example be made of glass or stainless steel, are widely used for setting up fluidic connections between fluidic components. The planar coupling technique according to embodiments of the present invention is capable of providing an interoperability between capillaries and planar coupling members.
-
FIG. 11A shows aclamping device 1100 adapted for establishing a fluidic connection between a connectingpiece 1101 and a capillary. The connectingpiece 1101 may for example be made of two bonded metal sheets. The connectingpiece 1101 comprises aplanar coupling member 1102 with afluid port 1103, thefluid port 1103 being fluidically connected with achannel 1104. Theclamping device 1100 is adapted for fastening theplanar coupling member 1102. Theclamping device 1100 comprises asocket component 1105 with aninternal thread 1106, and aninner clamping component 1107. Theinner clamping component 1107 comprises anexternal thread 1108 that is adapted for engaging with the socket component'sinternal thread 1106 when theinner clamping component 1107 is screwed into thesocket component 1105. Theinner clamping component 1107 comprises a ring-shapedclamping surface 1109. When theinner clamping component 1107 is tightened, theclamping surface 1109 is tightly pressed against theplanar coupling member 1102. Theinner clamping component 1107 further comprises a fitting 1110 for fastening a capillary. Theclamping device 1100 is adapted for providing a fluidic connection between thefluidic channel 1104 of the connectingpiece 1101 and a capillary fixed in the fitting 1110. -
FIG. 11B shows aclamping device 1111 adapted for clamping aplanar coupling member 1112 of a connectingpiece 1113 in a way that fluid connections are established with a first capillary and with a second capillary. For this purpose, theplanar coupling member 1112 is clamped between afirst clamping component 1114 and asecond clamping component 1115. Thefirst clamping component 1114 is screwed into theclamping device 1111 from above, whereas thesecond clamping component 1115 is screwed into theclamping device 1111 from below. Theclamping device 1111 further comprises afirst fitting 1116 for a first capillary and asecond fitting 1117 for a second capillary. A fluid port located at the upper side of theplanar coupling member 1112 may be fluidically connected with a first capillary that has been mounted in thefirst fitting 1116. Correspondingly, a fluid port located at the bottom side of theplanar coupling member 1112 may be fluidically coupled with a second capillary mounted in thesecond fitting 1117. - In general, a connecting piece with a planar coupling member may be used for establishing fluidic connections with a variety of fluidic devices. For example,
FIG. 12 shows aplanar coupling member 1200 for establishing a fluidic connection with a detection cell. The detection cell is adapted for determining a physical property of a fluid passing through the detection cell. The detection cell may e.g. be an optical detection cell for determining an optical property of the fluid, or an electrical detection cell adapted for determining an electrical property of the fluid. - In any case, turbulent flow of the fluid passing though the detection cell may have an impact on the detected physical property. Therefore, when supplying fluid to a detection cell, avoiding turbulent flow is an important issue, because turbulent flow may affect the obtained measurement results.
- The
planar coupling member 1200 shown inFIG. 12 is made of anupper metal sheet 1201 and alower metal sheet 1202. Fluid is supplied to the detection cell via afluid outlet 1203 located at the centre of theplanar coupling member 1200. In order to prevent generating turbulent flow, afluid supply channel 1204 branches out into a plurality of ramifiedfluid conduits 1205, with each of the ramifiedfluid conduits 1205 being fluidically coupled with theoutlet 1203. Each of the ramifiedfluid conduits 1205 supplies a fraction of the total flow to thefluid outlet 1203. The ramifiedfluid conduits 1205 may have different orientations relative to thefluid outlet 1203. The contributions of the ramifiedfluid conduits 1205 add up to a resultingflow 1206 that is supplied to the detection cell. - The
planar coupling member 1200 may further comprise interlocking features that facilitate an alignment of theplanar coupling member 1200 relative to the detection cell. For example, theplanar coupling member 1200 may compriseslots 1207 anddetents 1208 that may engage with complementary features of a clamping device. -
FIG. 13 shows a connectingpiece 1300 with aplanar coupling member 1301 adapted for supplying fluid to aseparation column 1302, wherein theseparation column 1302 is adapted for separating compounds of a fluid sample. Theseparation column 1302 may e.g. be filled with some kind of packing material. To provide for a homogeneous supply of fluid to the inlet of theseparation column 1302, theplanar coupling member 1301 comprises a plurality offluid ports 1303. - A
clamping device 1304 for fixing theplanar coupling member 1301 is located at a first end of theseparation column 1302. Theplanar coupling member 1301 is placed on top of anintermediate piece 1305. Then, agrub screw 1306 is tightened, whereby the lower face of theplanar coupling member 1301 is pressed against theintermediate piece 1305. Theintermediate piece 1305 comprises a set offluid channels 1307, whereby the location of thefluid channels 1307 corresponds to the respective locations of thefluid ports 1303. Thefluid channels 1307 provide fluidic connections between thefluid ports 1303 and the inlet of theseparation column 1302. After the fluid has passed through thefluid channels 1307, it still has to pass through afrith 1308 before passing through theseparation column 1302.
Claims (14)
1. A fluidic device for providing fluidic connections, the fluidic device comprising
a fluid conduit,
a planar coupling member with a fluid port, the fluid port being fluidically connected with the fluid conduit,
wherein a contour of the planar coupling member is in a predefined relationship with the fluid port's position.
2. The fluidic device of claim 1 , wherein the planar coupling member protrudes laterally from the fluidic device.
3. The fluidic device of claim 1 , further comprising at least one of:
the planar coupling member is an accessory member that protrudes laterally from the fluidic device;
the planar coupling member is realized as a planar multilayer structure;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets, with one or more of the sheets being machined in a way that the fluid conduit is formed in the stack;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more metal sheets, wherein an abrasive process, preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, is used for processing the metal sheets;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets, the fluid port being realized as a via hole in an uppermost sheet, or in a lowermost sheet, or in both the uppermost and the lowermost sheet of the planar coupling member;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being coated with plastic material or with a hot-melt adhesive before being bonded;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being bonded by a joining process, preferably by diffusion welding;
the planar coupling member is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the metal sheets being electroplated before being bonded by diffusion welding;
the fluidic device is realized as a stack of two or more bonded sheets;
the fluidic device is realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets;
the contour of the planar coupling member is an outer contour;
the contour of the planar coupling member is provided by the planar coupling member's boundary;
the contour of the planar coupling member is an inner contour of a cut-out of the planar coupling member;
the contour of the planar coupling member is one of: a circular contour, a polygonal contour;
the fluidic device is an interconnection strip comprising a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end and a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end;
the fluidic device is an interconnection strip comprising a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end and a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end, wherein the first planar coupling member comprises a first fluid port, wherein the second planar coupling member comprises a second fluid port, and wherein the interconnection strip comprises a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port;
the planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, the fluid port being located within the contact surface;
the planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, the fluid port being located within the contact surface, and the contact surface's area is several times as large as the fluid port's cross section;
the fluidic device comprises a plurality of fluid conduits, and the planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the fluid ports being fluidically coupled with corresponding fluid conduits;
the planar coupling member is adapted for being clamped together with another planar coupling member of another fluidic device, wherein a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of said another planar coupling member; and
the fluidic device comprises one of: a switching valve, a reaction chamber, a pumping unit, a heat exchanger, a mixing device.
4. A fluidic system comprising
a first fluidic device according to claim 1 , the first fluidic device comprising a first planar coupling member;
a clamping device comprising a fitting adapted to the contour of the first planar coupling member, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member and for bringing the fluid port of the first planar coupling member to a predefined position.
5. The fluidic system of claim 4 , further comprising a second fluidic device, the second fluidic device comprising a second planar coupling member.
6. The fluidic system of claim 5 , further comprising at least one of
the clamping device is adapted for clamping together the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device and the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member;
the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, and a plurality of fluidic connections are established between the fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding fluid ports of the second planar coupling member;
the first planar coupling member's contour matches with the second planar coupling member's contour;
the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, the second planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports, each of the fluid ports' positions being in a predefined relationship with a contour of the respective planar coupling member;
the clamping device is adapted for aligning the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the second planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, to provide for a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member;
the clamping device is adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member, thereby establishing a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and a corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member;
the clamping device is adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member, with a small plate, preferably a gold plate, being placed between the contact surface of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding contact surface of the second planar coupling member;
the first planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, the second planar coupling member comprises a contact surface, and the contact surfaces serve as sealing surfaces; and
the clamping device is adapted for providing a detachable connection between the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member.
7. The fluidic system of claim 5 , further comprising at least one of:
a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member;
a clamping force of the clamping device is sufficiently strong to provide for a fluid-tight fluidic connections between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and the corresponding fluid port of the second planar coupling member at fluid pressures of up to 1200 bar;
for pressing the first planar coupling member against the second planar coupling member, the clamping device comprises one or more of: a screw, a headless screw, a grub screw, a wedge, a clamp lever, a bent lever, a bell-crank lever, a hydraulic cylinder; and
the clamping device comprises a grub screw adapted for pressing a contact surface of the first planar coupling member against a contact surface of the second planar coupling member when the grub screw is tightened.
8. The fluidic system of claim 5 , further comprising at least one of:
the clamping device is adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member at different positions relative to the second planar coupling member, wherein in each of the different positions, different fluidic connections are set up between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and fluid ports of the second planar coupling member;
the first fluidic device comprises two or more different channels having different cross-sections, each of the channels being fluidically connected to a corresponding fluid port of the first planar coupling member, wherein one of the two or more different channels may be selected by setting the first planar coupling member to one of a set of different positions relative to the second planar coupling member; and
the clamping device is adapted for clamping together three or more planar coupling members of three or more different fluidic devices, thereby establishing fluidic connections between the three or more planar coupling members.
9. The fluidic system of claim 5 , further comprising at least one of:
at least one of the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member comprises interlocking features that enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member;
at least one of the first planar coupling member and the second planar coupling member comprises interlocking features, the interlocking features comprising one or more of: a protrusion, a nose, a catching recess, a cut-out; and
a protrusion or a nose of one of the planar coupling members is adapted for engaging with a corresponding catching recess or a cut-out of the respective other planar coupling member, to enforce a well-defined alignment of the first planar coupling member relative to the second planar coupling member.
10. The fluidic system of claim 4 , further comprising at least one of:
the clamping device comprises a fitting for a tubing or for a capillary, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the tubing or the capillary is established;
the clamping device comprises a stator element of a switching valve, the stator element comprising a set of stator ports, the clamping device being adapted for pressing the first planar coupling member against the stator element, thereby establishing fluidic connections between fluid ports of the first planar coupling member and corresponding stator ports of the stator element;
the fluidic system further comprises a rotor element pivotably mounted on the stator element;
the clamping device comprises a fitting for a detection cell, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the detection cell is established;
at the first planar coupling member, the fluid conduit of the first fluidic device branches out into a plurality of ramified fluid conduits, each fluid conduit being adapted for supplying fluid to a detection cell;
the clamping device comprises a fitting for a separation column, the clamping device being adapted for clamping the first planar coupling member of the first fluidic device in a way that a fluidic connection between the fluid port of the first planar coupling member and an inlet of the separation column is established;
the first planar coupling member is adapted for supplying fluid to a separation column; and
the first planar coupling member comprises a plurality of fluid ports adapted for supplying fluid to an inlet of a separation column, the plurality of fluid ports being adapted to provide for a homogeneous supply of fluid to the separation column.
11. An interconnection strip for providing fluidic connections, the interconnection strip being realized as a stack of two or more bonded metal sheets, the interconnection strip comprising
a first planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's first end, the first planar coupling member comprising a first fluid porter,
a second planar coupling member at the interconnection strip's second end, the second planar coupling member comprising a second fluid port,
a fluid conduit adapted for fluidically connecting the first fluid port and the second fluid port.
12. A method for manufacturing a fluidic device for providing fluidic connections, the fluidic device comprising a planar coupling member, the method comprising
microstructuring one or more metal sheets;
stacking the microstructured metal sheets;
bonding the metal sheets by subjecting the metal sheets to a joining technique to form a multilayer structure.
13. The method of the claim 12 , comprising at least one of:
the planar coupling member is an accessory member that protrudes laterally from the fluidic device;
microstructuring comprises applying an abrasive process, preferably electrochemical milling or chemical milling, to one or more of the metal sheets;
diffusion welding is used as a joining technique for bonding the metal sheets;
the metal sheets are electroplated before being subjected to diffusion welding; and
the metal sheets are coated with plastic material or with a hot-melt adhesive, pressed together and exposed to heat for a predefined period of time.
14. A method for fluidically connecting a first fluidic device and a second fluidic device, each of the first and the second fluidic device comprising a fluid conduit and a planar coupling member with a fluid port, the fluid port being fluidically connected with the fluid conduit, the method comprising
aligning the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device with the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device in a clamping device,
pressing the planar coupling member of the first fluidic device against the planar coupling member of the second fluidic device, whereby a fluidic connection is established between the fluid port of the first fluidic device and the corresponding fluid port of the second fluidic device.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/EP2008/053985 WO2009121410A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Fluidic device with planar coupling member |
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US20110023976A1 true US20110023976A1 (en) | 2011-02-03 |
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US12/935,911 Abandoned US20110023976A1 (en) | 2008-04-03 | 2008-04-03 | Fluidic device with planar coupling member |
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US (1) | US20110023976A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN101990466B (en) |
GB (1) | GB2470678B (en) |
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US8994556B2 (en) | 2012-05-24 | 2015-03-31 | Douglas H. Lundy | Threat detection system and method |
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GB2482488B (en) * | 2010-08-03 | 2016-01-13 | Agilent Technologies Inc | Fitting coupler for planar fluid conduit |
GB2598113A (en) | 2020-08-18 | 2022-02-23 | Agilent Technologies Inc | Fluidically coupling with elastic structure deformable by sealing element |
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US20090115188A1 (en) * | 2007-11-01 | 2009-05-07 | Howard Erik M | Systems and Methods for Making Connections Between Pipe Sections to Form a Conduit That is Substantially Free of Gaps |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US8994556B2 (en) | 2012-05-24 | 2015-03-31 | Douglas H. Lundy | Threat detection system and method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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GB2470678A (en) | 2010-12-01 |
CN101990466A (en) | 2011-03-23 |
WO2009121410A1 (en) | 2009-10-08 |
GB201014987D0 (en) | 2010-10-20 |
GB2470678B (en) | 2013-07-10 |
CN101990466B (en) | 2015-04-29 |
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